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Abteilungsleiter (m/w/d) Ressourcenschutz - Job Opportunity at Wahnbachtalsperrenverband

Siegburg, Germany
Full-time
Executive
Posted: June 7, 2025
On-site
EUR 53,000 - 72,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive compensation package based on utility sector collective bargaining agreement (TV-V) with annual special payments and asset-building benefits, positioning above average market rates for public utility sector
Performance-based annual bonus system with milestone recognition bonuses, demonstrating commitment to merit-based compensation beyond standard public sector offerings
Robust occupational pension scheme through Rheinische Zusatzversorgungskasse (RZVK), providing long-term financial security comparable to premium corporate benefits
Extended vacation allowance of 30 days annually, exceeding standard German vacation entitlements and supporting work-life integration
Advanced time management system with electronic time tracking and long-term time account options, enabling flexible work arrangement and sabbatical opportunities
Flat organizational hierarchy within mid-sized enterprise structure, facilitating direct decision-making access and accelerated career development
Professional development support through employer-sponsored continuing education programs, enhancing career advancement opportunities
Family-oriented workplace policies supporting work-life balance through flexible arrangements and family-friendly scheduling
Sustainable mobility benefits through subsidized company bicycle leasing program, promoting environmental responsibility and health consciousness
Comprehensive corporate wellness program including extensive company sports offerings and networking opportunities for holistic employee engagement
Premium healthcare support through complimentary BetterDoc medical consultation services, providing enhanced healthcare access beyond standard insurance
Convenient on-site parking facilities, eliminating commute-related stress and transportation costs

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive strategic management and operational development of the Resource Protection Department encompassing forestry, landscape management, hydrogeology, water protection, infrastructure maintenance, and agricultural operations, directly impacting water quality for 800,000 regional residents
Drive organizational excellence through motivational leadership and professional development of specialized technical and management personnel, collaborating with executive leadership to build critical capabilities for water resource protection
Optimize departmental performance through systematic analysis and enhancement of internal processes, focusing on cost efficiency, quality assurance, and economic sustainability to maximize public resource utilization
Conduct strategic environmental scanning and regulatory analysis of external frameworks including legal requirements, industry standards, technical literature, and competitive innovations to develop actionable strategic recommendations
Execute comprehensive budget planning and human resource allocation to ensure optimal staffing and financial resource deployment across critical water protection operations
Represent organizational interests through executive board participation in Kooperation Landwirtschaft, Wasser und Boden (KLWB) and Forest Management Association, advancing water utility strategic objectives through industry collaboration

Requirements

Education

Abgeschlossenes Masterstudium der Naturwissenschaften oder einer vergleichbaren Qualifikation

Experience

Langjährige Führungserfahrung in gehobenen Managementpositionen zwingend erforderlich

Required Skills

Einschlägige Kenntnisse im Rohwasserschutz, Gewässerschutz, Forst, der Landschaftspflege sowie im Natur- und Umweltschutz Mehrjährige Erfahrung im Umgang mit Veränderungsprozessen Zielorientierte Kommunikationsfähigkeit und hohe Empathie Ausgeprägte Durchsetzungsstärke sowie Lösungsorientierung
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The water utility sector is experiencing unprecedented transformation driven by climate change adaptation requirements, with resource protection roles becoming increasingly critical as extreme weather events threaten water source quality and availability. German water utilities are investing heavily in advanced watershed management and source protection strategies to maintain supply security for growing urban populations. Digitalization and smart water management technologies are revolutionizing traditional water resource protection approaches, with integrated monitoring systems, predictive analytics, and IoT-enabled environmental sensors becoming standard tools for modern water utility operations. This technological evolution requires leaders who can bridge traditional environmental science with digital innovation. Regulatory frameworks around water resource protection are becoming increasingly stringent across the European Union, with new directives on environmental sustainability, biodiversity protection, and circular economy principles directly impacting how water utilities manage their catchment areas and natural resources.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of EUR 53,000-72,000 appears competitive for the German utility sector, particularly considering the comprehensive benefits package and the role's strategic importance. For executive-level resource protection positions in German water utilities, total compensation typically ranges from EUR 65,000-95,000 including bonuses and benefits, placing this position in the solid mid-range with significant upside potential through performance bonuses.

Role Significance

Based on the comprehensive departmental scope covering forestry, landscape management, hydrogeology, water protection, infrastructure maintenance, and agriculture, this role likely oversees 15-25 specialized professionals including foresters, hydrogeologists, environmental scientists, and field technicians, representing a significant portion of the organization's 230-person workforce.
This is a senior executive position with direct departmental oversight and strategic decision-making authority, reporting likely to the utility's managing director. The role combines operational excellence with strategic planning responsibilities, positioning the incumbent as a key member of the organization's senior leadership team with significant influence over long-term resource protection strategy.

Key Projects

Implementation of advanced watershed monitoring and protection systems incorporating digital technologies and predictive analytics to enhance water source security Development and execution of comprehensive forest management strategies balancing conservation objectives with operational water quality protection requirements Leading cross-functional initiatives for climate change adaptation and resilience planning to ensure long-term water supply security for the 800,000-person service area

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to balance environmental stewardship with operational efficiency while managing complex stakeholder relationships across agricultural, forestry, and municipal sectors. Success requires understanding both the scientific foundations of water resource protection and the practical challenges of implementing protection measures across diverse land uses. Strong change management capabilities to guide the organization through evolving regulatory requirements and technological innovations while maintaining operational continuity. The role demands someone who can lead transformation initiatives while preserving institutional knowledge and maintaining team morale. Exceptional communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders including farmers, forest owners, regulatory agencies, and community groups, building consensus around resource protection initiatives that may impact traditional land use practices.

Market Demand

High demand driven by critical infrastructure needs and environmental compliance requirements. The specialized nature of water resource protection combined with executive leadership requirements creates a limited talent pool, making qualified candidates highly sought after across German-speaking utilities.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Natural resource management expertise spanning forestry, hydrogeology, and agricultural systems is absolutely essential, as the role requires making informed decisions across diverse environmental domains that directly impact water quality and availability. Without this foundational knowledge, the incumbent cannot effectively evaluate technical recommendations or provide strategic direction to specialized teams. Executive leadership experience in change management is crucial given the rapidly evolving regulatory environment and technological advancement in the water sector. The ability to guide organizations through transformation while maintaining operational excellence and team engagement directly determines success in modernizing traditional utility operations.

Beneficial Skills

Advanced understanding of European and German water law and environmental regulations, as regulatory compliance drives much of the strategic decision-making in resource protection and represents a key area where expertise can differentiate exceptional leaders from competent managers. Digital technology familiarity and innovation mindset are increasingly valuable as water utilities integrate IoT sensors, predictive analytics, and automated monitoring systems into traditional resource protection programs, creating opportunities for operational efficiency and enhanced environmental outcomes.

Unique Aspects

This role offers the distinctive opportunity to directly impact water security for nearly one million people while managing one of Germany's most comprehensive resource protection programs, combining forestry, agriculture, and hydrogeology under unified leadership
The position includes external board representation responsibilities that extend the role's influence beyond the immediate organization, providing opportunities to shape regional water policy and industry best practices through collaborative initiatives
The combination of traditional natural resource management with modern water utility operations creates a unique leadership challenge requiring both environmental science expertise and utility sector business acumen

Career Growth

Career progression to utility CEO or senior consulting roles typically occurs within 5-8 years for successful departmental leaders, particularly those who demonstrate innovation in resource protection and stakeholder management.

Potential Next Roles

Managing Director or CEO positions within regional water utilities, leveraging comprehensive understanding of water resource management and proven executive leadership capabilities Senior consulting roles with major engineering firms specializing in water resource management and environmental protection, bringing deep operational experience to strategic advisory services Executive positions with state or federal environmental agencies, transitioning operational expertise into policy development and regulatory oversight roles

Company Overview

Wahnbachtalsperrenverband

Wahnbachtalsperrenverband operates as a specialized water utility serving approximately 800,000 people across the Bonn/Rhine-Sieg/Ahr region, functioning as a critical infrastructure provider with responsibilities spanning water extraction, treatment, and distribution. The organization represents a mid-sized public utility with 230 employees, suggesting a stable, established operation with significant regional importance and public trust responsibilities.

As a regional water utility serving nearly one million people, WTV holds a strong market position within the German water sector, operating in one of Europe's most economically dynamic regions. The organization's focus on comprehensive watershed management and resource protection positions it as a progressive utility adapting to contemporary environmental challenges.
Located in the economically vibrant Rhine-Sieg region near Bonn, the utility operates in an area characterized by mixed urban and rural development, requiring sophisticated resource protection strategies to balance development pressures with water quality objectives. The location provides access to a skilled workforce and proximity to major German water sector companies and research institutions.
The organization emphasizes a family-friendly, team-oriented work environment within a mid-sized enterprise structure, suggesting a collaborative culture that values both professional excellence and work-life balance. The comprehensive benefits package and focus on employee development indicate an organization that invests in long-term employee relationships and career growth.
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